Worrell’s CD was well worth eight-year wait

By Mary Alice Blackwell

Published: October 16, 2008

I have been waiting for eight years.

But “they” say good things come to those who wait.

And it’s true.

Shannon Worrell is back, and her CD release party is Monday night during her benefit concert at Live Arts.

Not that Worrell went away. She has been in town raising two children and helping raise Light House, a non-profit organization that offers an extraordinary learn-how-to-make-films opportunity for countless area children.

Worrell always had a creative flair. The University of Virginia graduate recorded three albums in the 1990s.

“Three Wishes” (1994) included old friends Tim Reynolds, Dave Matthews and the late LeRoi Moore. Joining up with Kristen Asbury as September 67, Worrell released “Lucky Shoe” in 1997, went on the road in support of Wilco and landed a gig with one of the biggest concert draws of the year, Lilith Fair, a virtual cornucopia of every hot female artist of the day.

After “Moviegoer” came out in 2000, Worrell put down her guitar to concentrate on the younger generation.

Now, all her children — her daugher, her son and Light House — are standing proud and tall. Now, her guitar and keyboard beckoned once again.

“It came in a blast,” she said of her return to songwriting. “It was a little scary. I wrote the songs in about four months.”

  She also networked with a lot of her her old musician friends to record “The Honey Guide.”

Asbury lent her stylings to one of the cuts on the nine-song CD, David Lowery of Cracker fame added his bass, Sarah White sings … the list goes on.

“I asked all of my favorites,” Worrell said, “and most of them said, ‘yes.’ It’s a local effort.”

Many of those CDmates — Asbury, Charlie Bell,the All New Acorn Sisters, some of Sons of Bill — will be on hand Monday night, and Megan Huddleston is opening the show with songs from her upcoming recording.

Yes. Good things do come to those who wait.

Unfortunately, I waited too long to get tickets. Word has it that the rooftop show that benefits Live Arts is sold out.

But check out iTunes. Downloads should be available today.

Speaking of new sights and sounds …

Check out the Garage.

This interesting new spot on First Street, just across from Lee Park, hosts art exhibits, films, concerts, you name it. On Saturday, it’s a double dose with films by our own James Ford, followed by music by Mondo.

Since the Garage is, well, a garage, you will be outside looking in. So dress appropriately for the weather and grab you a bit of asphalt or a seat on the hill across the street.

Hey, it’s free.

Showtime is 9 p.m.

For more details, call 630-1466.